Nydia M. Velazquez

At this point, Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Peters).

Since I have two speakers on this side, I will continue to reserve the balance of my time.

(Ms. VELAZQUEZ asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Since its enactment in 1980, the Reg Flex has reduced the burden of Federal rules on small businesses. It has evolved over time to include new tools, expanding its purview and making a real difference for entrepreneurs across the country…

I demand a recorded vote. The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from New York will be postponed. Amendment No. 5 Offered by Mr. Barrow The Acting CHAIR. It is…

May I inquire as to how much time I have remaining? The Acting CHAIR. The gentlewoman from New York has 2\1/2\ minutes remaining.

I have an amendment at the desk. The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment. The text of the amendment is as follows: Page 8, line 13, strike ``and''. Page 8, line 14, strike the period and insert ``; and''. Page 8, after…

I didn't know that the other side liked TARP so much that you want to keep it going. We have put safeguards, penalties, restrictions, oversight in place. This is another bureaucratic layer that will hinder the needs of small businesses to…

The issue here is not if the people of Puerto Rico can vote or not in Presidential elections. The issue here is a true, transparent, democratic process for the Puerto Rican people to participate in a referendum without imposing statehood.

This amendment will make sure that the ballots for these processes are available in both Spanish and English. Through this amendment, Puerto Rico's overwhelmingly Spanish-speaking population will be able to understand the ballot and…

So, basically, in listening to your argument, you are clearly stating that this is a pro-statehood bill, aren't you?

Mr. Speaker, today, small businesses are finally getting their stimulus. It is about time. This act marks the first step towards economic recovery for our country's entrepreneurs. In fact, this bill will result in nearly $21 billion in new…

You know why? Because your President, our President refuses to implement the provisions, at least the one that would lower the cost of loans for small businesses.

Reclaiming my time, you have my commitment to monitor Federal agencies' efforts to award grants to small firms. And as this legislation moves forward, we will work with you to identify ways that agencies are properly studying and making…

The amendment directs the administrator of the Small Business Administration to consult with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to develop an initiative that publicizes the SBIR programs to veterans returning from service. The amendment…

Reclaiming my time, Mr. Ehlers, I understand your concern. But I will say that at a time when we are facing an economic crisis in our country where so many small businesses have been impacted because of the lack of access to capital and…

I thank Congressman Boswell and Congresswoman Sutton for their amendment and their efforts to improve the bill. This amendment encourages applications from economically distressed areas and helps ensure the competitive research proposal…

The small business face in America is changing. We have more and more women who would like to get involved in opening and starting their businesses, and the bill that we have before us as sponsored by Representative Fallin does just that…

In closing, with unemployment rampant on Native American reservations, legislation that not only fights poverty but fosters the development of job creation is critical. I strongly urge my colleagues to vote for H.R. 2284.

Veterans have not only been critical to the defense of our Nation, but with the increasing number of service men and women engaging in entrepreneurship, they have also been invaluable in helping our economy grow. These men and women have…

Today's entrepreneurs are facing countless challenges. SBA's entrepreneurial development programs must be modernized to provide small businesses with the ability to deal with the economic conditions of today. Mr. Sestak's legislation, the…

We accept this amendment which will require the Administrator of SBA to make public the actions taken on behalf of small businesses or trade associations with regard to bundled contracts. More importantly, it will publicize the results of…

In our hearings, Mr. Chairman, the committee heard testimony on the various challenges facing the 7(a) program. One of the more troubling developments has been a steady decline in the number of lenders participating in the 7(a) program…

I know that the gentlelady has worked tirelessly to ensure that certain independently owned and operated franchises are afforded access to the SBA's 7(a) loan program. You have my assurance that I will work to address this concern as the…

At the beginning of the debate, the chairman said that only 10 bucks a month small businesses were paying. Now he admitted it is $3,500, at least, and the smaller small business loans are down. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the…